International Patients Find New Hope with Advanced Cell Therapies in Shanghai

Note: the contents of this article come from China local public media.

According to the ethical principles outlined in the Helsinki Declaration, if existing treatments are ineffective or insufficient, and patients have given fully informed consent, new experimental therapies can be utilized. It is within this framework that stem cell and immunotherapy, particularly CAR-T therapy, have seen rapid advancements in recent years in China. 

Today, an increasing number of international patients, especially those from developed countries in Europe and America, are choosing to receive cutting-edge treatments like stem cell and CAR-T therapies in China. This trend not only reflects the rapid progress in these technologies within China but also stems from the high level of satisfaction and unexpectedly positive outcomes experienced by patients.

 Hospitals in Hangzhou, Nanhai, Guangzhou, and Shanghai have welcomed patients from the United States, New Zealand, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Russia, Pakistan, and Middle Eastern countries. These individuals often face challenges in obtaining satisfactory treatment results in their home countries or find the costs in the United States prohibitive without a significant improvement in efficacy, leading them to seek breakthrough treatments in China.

 Case Studies: Recovery Stories of International Patients

Ethan from Singapore:

Ethan, a long-term patient from Singapore, had been struggling with a serious illness and had sought medical help globally without success. She was even told that her remaining life expectancy was less than three months. Ultimately, Ethan chose to undergo CAR-T cell therapy in China. Within four weeks, her tumor had shrunk by two-thirds, her symptoms had markedly improved, and she began to regain weight, significantly enhancing her quality of life.

Patient from the United Kingdom (Multiple Myeloma):

A patient from the United Kingdom was diagnosed with multiple myeloma six years ago. He had tried almost all conventional treatments, but his condition continued to deteriorate. After thorough research and consultations, he opted for CAR-T therapy in China. Two weeks after the treatment, he was discharged from the hospital, with almost all cancer markers returning to normal levels. The success of his treatment led him to recommend other patients to seek similar treatments in China.

Lymphoma Patient from New Zealand:

A lymphoma patient from New Zealand, after extensive consultations and comparisons, decided to forego treatment at Australian hospitals and traveled to China for CAR-T therapy. His condition quickly came under control, and the recovery process was smooth, with a notable improvement in his immune system. He praised the professionalism of the Chinese doctors.

British Hodgkin's Lymphoma Patient:

A 30-year-old female from the United Kingdom, diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma, underwent autologous stem cell transplantation in Shanghai. Ten days after the treatment, her blood cell counts returned to normal, and the transplant was a success.

MLD Girl from Pakistan:

A young girl from Pakistan, suffering from Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD), received umbilical cord blood stem cell transplantation from her sister in Shanghai. The treatment showed significant results, greatly improving her condition.

 Rylea Barlett from the United States:

Rylea Barlett, a six-year-old girl from the United States, was born with congenital blindness. After receiving stem cell treatment in China, her vision improved dramatically. She could now see light, recognize the faces of her loved ones, and even identify the letter "E" on a vision chart.

 China's Unique Advantages in Cell Therapy

These case studies underscore the unique advantages of cell therapy in China. Not only is the technology at the forefront, but the costs are also significantly lower compared to those in the United States and Europe. Patients in China often pay just one-fifth of what they would in the United States, yet the efficacy of the treatments remains on par.

The combination of advanced medical technology, lower costs, and the high level of satisfaction from international patients is driving a growing trend of medical tourism to China. This trend highlights China's commitment to innovation and patient care, making it a preferred destination for those seeking the latest and most effective treatments.